Fate Of Fire-Damaged Newtown Building Tied Up In Court: Officials

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, Pa. – So what’s going on with the fire-damaged building on South State Street?

The question came up at Tuesday night’s Newtown Borough Council meeting when former councilman Charles Machion pressed council for a status update and a timetable on repairs to the structure:

Unfortunately there aren’t many answers, said Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin of the property, which is tied up in court over insurance issues.

The building, which housed several apartments on the upper floors and the Pro Shop on the first floor, was heavily damaged in the fire in March 2022. The Pro Shop has since relocated to 119 South State Street.

“There is a limited amount that we can say publicly,” said Grunde-McLaughlin, in response to Machion's inquiry.

“It’s going through the court system. There are negotiations going on,” added Police Chief James Sabath.

Machion asked if the borough had any means of requiring swifter action by the owner to fix the building.

“We need to force their hand because it’s not good for the safety of our citizens and it makes the downtown look like Detroit,” he told council. “It’s been too long. And the fencing just looks horrible. It’s bad for our people. It’s bad for our town. I would request that the borough look
at actions to force their hand.”

Fencing blocks the sidewalk in front of the fire-damaged building. (file photo)

Grunde-McLaughlin asked borough solicitor Mike Clark if the borough has any options.

There are options, responded Clark. “If there’s a property in disrepair that needs to be fixed there are certain things we can do to cite them.”

But the reality, added Clark, is that a judge hearing the case is more than likely to allow additional time for an owner who is seeking to secure on outcome of an insurance matter.